President William Ruto has announced that teachers will receive 20% of the Affordable Housing units under the government’s housing scheme.
Speaking during the Waalimu Na Rais Forum at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, the President said teachers contribute about 13% of the housing levy — equivalent to Ksh. 900 million per month — and therefore deserve priority in allocation.
“To make this official, we will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and teachers’ unions to guarantee this 20% allocation,” President Ruto said.
The President also raised concerns about the current teachers’ medical cover, noting that teachers are paying more than other civil servants for inpatient services.
“On average, it costs Ksh.117,000 per inpatient visit under the teachers’ scheme compared to Ksh.100,000 for the general market and Ksh.98,000 for civil servants. We must review and overhaul this cover to give you better value,” Ruto said.
He directed the Ministry of Education to work with health professionals and teachers’ unions to redesign the medical scheme to make it more affordable and effective. Consultations with teachers’ leaders are already underway.
In a move to address stagnation in job groups, Ruto pledged to double funding for teacher promotions from Ksh.1 billion to Ksh.2 billion starting in the next financial year. This will allow at least 50,000 teachers to be promoted every year out of the more than 400,000 who are eligible.
He also called for a review of the career progression guidelines to ensure fair and timely promotions.
This announcement comes just weeks after Ruto promised to pay half the cost of two-bedroom Affordable Housing units for Harambee Stars players in recognition of their performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
While critics have accused the President of bypassing legal procedures, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the move, clarifying that Ruto only offered to help players pay the deposit — they would still go through the formal registration and allocation process as required by law.
